Happy new year! We hope you all have a 2020 filled with success and positivity. Hopefully, that year will also feature a playoff run from the Philadelphia Eagles, but they may well be shorthanded going into Sunday’s clash against Seattle.
Today’s injury report is only an estimation due to the walkthrough nature of the practice.
Running back Miles Sanders finds himself listed on the report as someone who did not participate. This comes on the back of being pulled from last week’s win over the Giants with a low-grade ankle sprain.
“You have to be careful early in the week.” Doug Pederson said of his star running back. “I don’t want to set him back at all. He’s another one if we can get the mental reps from him, that’s great. Then see where he’s at as week progresses.”
Sanders has surpassed every expectation when filling in for Jordan Howard and has taken over the RB1 spot. Boston Scott did record a hat-trick of rushing touchdowns after Sanders went down on Sunday, but was more efficient a receiver, leading the team in yards through the air, and amassing just 54 on 19 carries on the ground.
Having Sanders active against the Seahawks will be pivotal to their offensive success, especially if Jordan Howard is still less than 100%. Although, the good news there is that he’s no longer listed on the injury report.
WR Nelson Agholor didn’t participate again and it does seem a little confusing as to why the team won’t just place him on IR at this point. Greg Ward Jr will continue to take on slot duties, emerging as a candidate for a longer-term place in Pederson’s offense.
Barnett and Cox were listed on the injury report last week and still played at an extremely high level, so barring a setback, the defensive line should be at full-force this weekend.
Zach Ertz was listed as limited but the Eagles obviously have to be careful with their leading receiving option. Ertz has been sensational this year, with his consistent play proving to be the ultimate security blanket. Missing him did hurt the offense significantly, but they have to be careful due to the nature of the rib injury and how easily a shot to the chest could lead to a more significant injury if he’s less than 100%.
Lane Johnson appears to be moving in the right direction but if he is unable to play, it will again be Big V who steps up, with Matt Pryor playing alongside him at right guard, replacing the injured Brandon Brooks, who was placed on IR.
Sidney Jones and Avonte Maddox joined Sidney Jones as the remaining ‘limited’ participants in today’s practice, but even in an unlikely very worst-case scenario, Douglas and LeBlanc could start outside with Malcolm Jenkins moved into the nickel. The Eagles have a stacked secondary in terms of depth and we should expect both Jones and Maddox to play, while Mills will likely be questionable.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
